Modular access control system

ABSTRACT

An access control system includes first and second portable containers. The first portable container comprises a first sidewall opening and the second portable container comprises a second sidewall opening. The portable containers are arranged such that the first sidewall opening in the first portable container communicates with the second sidewall opening in the second portable container. The first portable container comprises a passing room disposed in the first portable container. The passing room includes a barrier device located in the walkway defining a first space between a first passing room opening and the barrier device, and a second space between the barrier device and a second passing room opening. The access control system is constructed such that when the access control system is disposed between a first area and an enclosed second area ingress and egress from and to the second area is controlled by the access control system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/992,126 filed on Nov. 19, 2004, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to access control systemsand specifically to portable access control systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an access control system comprising aportable container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows an accessible panel along with a locking mechanism used inthe portable container depicted in FIG. 1, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows a bar-like locking mechanism for locking the accessiblepanel depicted in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 depicts a floor plan of the portable container shown in FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 snows a perspective view of an access control system includingthree portable containers, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is floor plan of the access control system depicted in FIG. 4showing some details about the features included in the access controlsystem, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of an anchoring system for anchoringtwo or more portable containers together, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is floor plan of an access control system, according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is floor plan view of an access control device, according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a front view and a perspective view of aportable container, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the portablecontainer, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a detailed top cross-sectional view of a passing room and acontrol room, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a passing room and a controlroom, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable container 10, according toan embodiment of the invention. The portable container 10 has a housing12, which, in one embodiment, is rectangular shaped. However, any othershape is also possible. The housing 12 can be made of a durable material(e.g., iron, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, reinforced plastics) or acombination of various materials. In one embodiment, the portablecontainer 10 can be made, for example, from corrugated steel and mayinclude marine grade plywood flooring. The portable container 10 canalso be made to withstand repeated lifting and placing. The portablecontainer 10 can be configured to hold a cargo as large as 30 tons. Theportable container 10 can be equipped to be securely towed by a vehicle.For example, one or both ends of the portable container 10 can beequipped with hooks, links or the like to be towed by a vehicle. Theportable container 10 can also be provided with forklift pockets, cornerconnectors or other types of attachments as may be useful for thetransport or the anchorage of the portable container 10. In addition, asecurity system to ensure that only authorized vehicles move theportable container 10 can also be included.

In one embodiment, the portable container 10 can be delivered to a userin a ready-made or turn-key state. In this case, if electricity is notrequired, the portable container 10 is ready to be used. If electricityis required, all that needs to be done to render the portable container10 usable is the provision of electricity. In another embodiment, theportable container 10 can be customized by the user to meet specificneeds of the user.

The portable container 10 can be a standard shipping container. In oneembodiment, the standard shipping container can be a shipping containerwhich complies with international standards as determined by theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO). The dimensions ofa standard shipping container as defined by the ISO body can be, forexample, 40 feet, 20 feet, or 10 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8.5 feethigh.

The portable container 10 may also be provided with one or more openings14 to allow entry and exit of persons, as will be explained in detailthe following paragraphs. In addition, one or more lockable accessiblepanels or doors 16 may also be provided on one or more openings 17 inone or both sidewalls 18 of the portable container 10. In oneembodiment, the opening 17 is a 9 feet wide by 7 feet high opening.However, the opening 17 can have any dimension, as desired. The opening17 can be framed or reinforced with a framing material 19. The framingmaterial 19 can be any suitable material for framing structuresincluding wood. metal, plastic or a composite material. The framing canbe made for example of rectangular tubing or other suitable structure.The framing material 19 is used for structural reinforcement around theopening 17 as well as a joining material for joining two portablecontainers together. Specifically, when two containers 10 each having anopening 17 are brought together such that the openings 17 arecommunicating, the framing material 19 on one container 10 would abutagainst a wall of another container 10 to form a container-to-containerinterface seal. In one embodiment, the framing 19 may be provided with aflexible material (e.g., a sponge material) such that when the container10 presses against the other adjacent container 10, the flexiblematerial would be compressed and act as a gasket to create an atmospheretight seal including a watertight seal.

In one embodiment, the lockable accessible panel 16 comprises threepanel-sections 16A, 16B and 16C (see FIG. 2A). The three panels section16,A, 16B and 16C are joined together using strips of material 16D byfastening each strip 16D onto two adjacent panel sections. In this way,for example, the foot-print of the lockable accessible panel 16 isrendered smaller so as to occupy a small space for storage whileexpandable when needed to close the opening 17.

The lockable accessible panel 16 can be mounted on the sidewall 18 usingone or more locking mechanisms 20. The locking mechanism 20 can be anytype of locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 20can be a plurality of locks provided on a periphery of the accessiblepanel 16 so as to attach the panel 16 to the sidewall 18. In anotherembodiment, the locking mechanism 20 comprises a bar-like lockingmechanism 21 and a movable center-lock 22 provided in the center of thebar-like locking mechanism 21 as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Themovable center-lock 22 latches the bar-like locking mechanism 21 to theaccessible panel 16. In one embodiment, the bar-like locking mechanism21 is rotatable by the movable center-lock 22 so as to allow theextremities 24A and 24B of the bar-like locking mechanism 21 to slidebehind the sidewall 18 and latch onto the sidewall 18. In anotherembodiment, the bar-like locking mechanism 21 is fastened to theaccessible panel 16 using the center-lock 22 (e.g., a bolt and a nut) soas to bring the extremities 24A and 24B of the bar-like lockingmechanism against a lip or an edge of the sidewall 18 (shown in FIG. 1).

When the one or more openings 17 in the portable container 10 are closedwith the accessible panels 16, the portable container 10 can be used asa stand-alone access control unit to control ingress or egress from andto a first area (e.g., secured area) 26 delimited by a fencing material30, through openings 14. In this case, the fencing 30 or other materialmay be attached to the portable container 10. For example, the fencing30 can be attached to the sidewalls 18 of the portable container 10 soas to surround the secured area 26, as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.Therefore, the fencing 30 separates a second area (e.g., a non-securedarea) 27 from die first area (secured area) 26. In order to enter intothe secured area 26 or exit from the secured area 26 an individual orindividuals must pass through the openings 14 of the portable container10. Although, the first area 26 is described herein as being the securedarea and the second area 27 is described as being the non-secured area,it must be appreciated that the fencing 30 can also be arranged suchthat the first area 26 is the non-secured area and the second area 27 isthe secured area. Furthermore, other features, such as natural barriers(e.g., bodies of water, ridges, etc.) or other barriers (e.g., walls,etc.) may be employed to separate the first area 26 from the second area27.

In order to provide for a larger space in the access control system, soas to accommodate, for example, various devices or create spacesdedicated to specific functions in the access control system, two ormore portable containers 10 may be connected to each other to form theaccess control system. In this case, the one or more openings 17 in theone or more portable containers 10 may be opened by removing theaccessible panels 16 and the portable containers 10 are placed adjacentto each other so as to allow communication between the portablecontainers 10 through the one or more openings 17.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 three portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C canbe juxtaposed next to each other. In this case, for example, opening 17Ain portable container 10A is opened by removing an accessible panel (notshown) provided in a sidewall of the portable container 10A, openings17B and 17C in portable container 10B are opened by removing accessiblepanels (not shown) provided in each of the sidewalls of the portablecontainer 10B, and opening 17D is opened by removing an accessible panel(not shown) provided in a sidewall of the portable container 10C. Theportable containers 10A, 10B and 10C are arranged such that opening 17Acommunicates with opening 17B and opening 17C communicates with opening17D.

In one embodiment, one or more anchoring device 31, shown in FIG. 6, canbe used to attach the portable container 10A to adjacent portablecontainer 10B and can be used to attach portable container 10B toadjacent portable container 10C. The anchoring device 31 is used toanchor the portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C to each other. In oneembodiment, the anchoring device 31 comprises two links 32A and 32B anda ratcheting device 33 linked to the two links 32A and 32B. The link 32A is fastened to a sidewall of one of the portable containers 10A, 10B,10C (e.g., portable container 10A) and the link 32B is fastened to asidewall of another portable container (e.g., portable container 10B).lire links 32A and 32B include one or more holes 34 through which theratcheting device 33 can be connected to the links 32A and 32B. Theratcheting device 33 has one or more levers 35 which when pivoted backand forth allow the ratcheting device to bring the two links 32A and 32Bcloser to each other and hence bring the two portable containers 10A and10B closer to each other.

The space in each of the portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C can betailored for a specific need. For example, the spaces in the portablecontainers 10A and 10C can be used as passing rooms for individual toaccess a first area (e.g., a secured area) 26 delimited by the fencingmaterial 30 from a second area (e.g., non-secured area) 27. The space inportable container 10B can be used as a control room in which one ormore guards or supervisors may be located to control the movement ofpeople through the passing rooms in the portable containers 10A and 10C.However, although FIGS. 4 and 5 show a configuration in which acontainer configured as a control room (container 10B) being disposedbetween two containers configured as passing rooms (containers 10A and10C), other configurations are also possible. For example, two or morecontainers configured as passing rooms can be disposed next to eachother (e.g., the container 10A can be disposed adjacent to container10C). In which case, a container configured as a control room (e.g.,container 10B) can be disposed next to one of the two or more containersconfigured as passing rooms (e.g., disposed next to container 10A ornext to container 10C). Alternatively, the arrangement need not includethe control room. Furthermore, the architecture of the access controlsystem being modifiable and flexible, any arrangement of any one or morecontainers configured as passing rooms and any one or more containersconfigured as control rooms is within the scope of the presentinvention.

Similarly to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the juxtaposed portablecontainers 10A, 10B and 10C can be used as an access control system tocontrol ingress or egress from and to the first area (secured area) 26delimited by the fencing material 30. In this embodiment, however, thefencing 30 or other material may be attached to sidewall 18A of theportable container 10A and to sidewall 18B of the portable container10C, to surround the secured area 26, as depicted in FIG. 4. In order toenter into the first area (e.g., the secured area) 26 from the secondarea (the non-secured area) 27 or exit from the first area (securedarea) 26, an individual or individuals must necessarily pass throughopenings 14A of the portable container 10A or pass through openings 14Cof the portable container 10C. Optionally, openings 14B can also beprovided in the portable container 10B to allow separate entry into orexit, from the control room of the access control device for the one ormore guards or supervisors. However, the guards or supervisors can alsoenter into the control room in the portable container 10B through anyone of openings 14A and openings 14C by passing through the opening(17A, 17B) or by passing through the opening (17C, 17D).

As stated in the above paragraphs, one or more portable containers, forexample portable containers 10A and 10C, can be used as passing rooms toallow controlled movement of individuals into and out of the first area(the secured area) 26. Hence, in one embodiment, as depicted in a floorplan of the control device shown in FIG. 5, the containers 10A and 10Ccomprise passing rooms 40A and 40C, respectively. The passing rooms 40Aand 40C control the movement of people between the first area (thesecured area) 26 and the second area (the non-secured area) 27.

The passing room 40A communicates with the first area (the secured area)26 and the second area (the non-secured area) 27 through doors 14A.Specifically, the passing room 40A communicates with the second area(non-secured area) 27 via a first opening 14A1 and communicates with thefirst area (the secured area) 26 via a second opening 14A2. The passingroom 40C communicates with the first area (the secured area) 26 and thesecond area (the non-secured area) 27 through doors 14C. Specifically,the passing room 40C communicates with the second area (the non-securedarea) 27 via a first opening 14C1 and communicates with the first area(the secured area) 26 via a second opening 14C2. The first opening 14A1is spaced apart from the second opening 14A2, in the passing room 40A,so as to define a walkway 42A in-between. Similarly, the first opening14C1 is spaced apart from the second opening 14C2, in the passing room40C, so as to define a walkway 42C in-between. A closing device 44(e.g., a door, shutters or the like) may be employed to close theopenings 14A1, 14A2, 14C1 and 14C2 when either or both passing rooms 40Aand 40C are not in use. A security sensing device for safeguarding theclosing device 44 can be employed.

The portable container 10A can comprise at least one barrier device 46Aand the portable container 10C can comprise at least one barrier device46C. The barrier device 46A can be arranged inside of the passing room40A so as to restrict a person's movement through the passing room 40A.The barrier device 46C can be arranged inside of the passing room 40C soas to restrict a person's movement through the passing room 40C. In oneembodiment, a turnstile (e.g., a full-body turnstile, a partial-bodyturnstile, a bi-directional turnstile, or a uni-directional turnstile)is employed as a barrier device 46A, 46C of the portable containers 10A,10B, respectively. However, other barrier devices may be used torestrict a person's movement through the passing room 42A, 42C. Forexample, a sliding door, a revolving door, moving bars, and gates, orthe like may be used as a barrier device 46A, 46C. The barrier device46A is located inside the walkway 42A, defining a first space 50A1between the barrier device 46A and the first opening 14A1, and defininga second space 50A2 between the barrier device 46A and the secondopening 14A2. Similarly, the barrier device 46C is located inside thewalkway 42C, defining a first space 50C1 between the barrier device 46Cand the first opening 14C1, and defining a second space 50C2 between thebarrier device 46A and the second opening 14C2.

In one embodiment, the passing room 40A, 40C can include one or moresecurity devices 52A, 52C issuing permission for a person to passthrough the passing room 42A, 42B, respectively. In one embodiment, thesecurity device 52A, 52C can comprise, but is not limited to, one ormore card readers, one or more metal detectors (such as a magnetometeror the like). one or more weapon detectors, one or more x-ray scanners,one or more radiofrequency scanners (e.g., shortwave scanners), one ormore biometric readers, one or more iris scanners, one or morefingerprint or palm readers, one or more explosive detectors, one ormore physical or facial recognition terminology, one or more electronickey locks, or one or more mechanical key locks, or any combination oftwo or more thereof. The security device 52A, 52C can also include asecurity measure, such as, but not limited to, posting an individual orguard 56 proximate to the barrier device 46A, 46C to checkidentification cards (e.g., photo identification cards, licenses, etc.).In one embodiment, the security device 52A may be located in the firstspace 50A1 and also in the second space 50A2 of the passing room 42A.Similarly, the security device 52C may be located in the first space50C1 and also in the second space 50C2 of the passing room 42C. Securitydevices 52A, 52C can also be included inside or outside of therespective passing rooms 40A and 40C.

In one embodiment, each of the passing rooms 40A and 40C can compriselighting. For example, lighting 54A can be provided in the first space50A1 and/or the second space 50A2 of passing room 40A and lighting 54Ccan be provided in the first space 50C1 and/or in the second space 50C2of the passing room 40C. Heat curtains can also be provided in thevicinity, for example above, any one of openings 14A1, 14A2, 14C1 and14C1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, a cover material (e.g., anawning) 23 may also be provide in the vicinity, for example above, ofany one of openings 14A1, 14A2, 14C1 and 14C1. In addition, a floorlining 25 may also be provided in the vicinity, for example at a foot,of any one of openings 14A1, 14A2, 14C1 and 14C2. The awning 23 can be aretractable sheet of flexible material or a removable panel or the like,or can be permanent. The floor lining 25 can be, for example, a non-skidrubber liner or grating, or the like.

As stated above, the portable container 10B is used as a control room.In one embodiment, a control room 40B is provided in the portablecontainer 10B for housing one or more guards 56 or supervisors 57. Thecontrol room 40B can include a detection system 58. The detection systemcan be used to check items carried by individuals when passing throughthe passing rooms 40A and 40C. The detection system comprises adetection device 59 for scanning objects carried by the individuals. Thedetection system 58 can also comprise a conveyor 60 for transporting theobjects into the detection device 58. In an embodiment of the invention,the detection devices can be an electromagnetic device (e.g., an x-raymachine) or a chemical device for detecting belongings of an individual(e.g., the inside contents of a bag carried by the individual) passingthrough the passing rooms 40A and 40C. However, any other sort ofdetection device can be employed. The detection system 58 can be placednear one of the openings 14B1 or 14B2 so as to allow an individualpassing through one of the passing rooms 40A or 40C to place in orretrieve from the detection system 58 his/her belongings.

In one embodiment, the control room 40B can also include a control panel45 to control the barrier device(s) 46A and/or 46C and the securitydevice(s) 52A and/or 52C in order for the guard 56 or supervisor 57 tomonitor the passing room 40A and/or 40C while staying in the controlroom 40B. The control panel 42 can comprise an alarm device 47 whichgives an alarm in case a problem occurs in the passing room 40A and/orthe passing room 40C.

The control room 40B is located between the passing rooms 40A and 40C.In this way the guard 56 and/or the supervisor 57 in control room 40Ccan observe the inside of the passing rooms 40A and 40C. The guard 56and/or the supervisor 57 can take the appropriate action to address anysituation that may occur in any of the passing room 40A, the passingroom 40C and/or the control room 40B.

Similar to the passing rooms 40A and 40C, control room 40B can alsocomprise lighting 54B. For example, lighting 54B can be provided inthree areas of the control room. Similarly, heat curtains can also beprovided in the vicinity, for example above, of opening 14B1 and/or14B2. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, an awning 23 and or a floorlining may also be provided in the vicinity, for example above or at thefoot of the opening 14B1 and/or 14B2.

One or more air conditioning units can be provided in the controldevice, for example, provided in any one of the passing rooms 40A and40C and/or the control room 40B. The one or more air conditioning unitscan be installed, for example, on a roof of any one of the portablecontainers 10A, 10B and 10C. The control room can also be provided withvarious amenities and utilities such as the provision of one or moretelephone jacks, one or more computer outlets, one or more cableoutlets, one or more electrical outlets, or any combination of two ormore thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIG. 5, one or moreopenings 15A, 15B can be provided in both containers 10A and 10B forcommunicating between the passing room 40A and control room 40B and inboth containers 10B and 10C for communicating between the passing room40C and the control room 40B. The openings 15A, 15B can be used as ahandicap access to redirect handicapped or disabled individuals to passthrough the control room 40B instead of one of the passing rooms 40A or40C as a handicapped or disabled individual may have a difficultypassing through the barrier device 46A or the barrier device 46C ordifficulty using (e.g., reaching, seeing, etc.) security device 52A orsecurity device 52C.

The portable containers 10A, 10B or 10C can be put on a vehicle ortrailer and transported or towed to reach a specific destination. Byarranging the portable container in the manner described above, theportable containers 10A, 10B and 10C can be used to control access to anarea. The portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C may be used in a settingwhere control of access to a specific area may be needed. For example,the specific area can be a work site where access of personnel to thework site can be controlled. A worker may carry an access device whichwhen read by the security device may allow or deny access to the worksite. The portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C may also be used bypeople that do not have an access device, but who must pass throughsecurity to enter a venue (e.g., an outside concert or the like).

If the portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C are being used inconjunction with an access device, when a person approaches the passingroom 40A in portable container 10A from, for example, the second area 27and enters through the opening 14A1, the person can stay in the firstspace 50A1 in the walkway 42A and present an access device (e.g.,identification or electronically read card) to the security device 52A.In one embodiment, because the security device 52A is located inside thepassing room 40A, the chance that the person will lose or break anidentification card or device is decreased because the person does notneed to expose the identification card or device outside of the portablecontainer 10A.

In one embodiment, the barrier device 46A remains locked or closed untilthe access device is successfully read by the security device 52A. Oncea person is approved by the security device 52A, the barrier device 46Ais unlocked and the person can go through the barrier device 46A. If aperson is not approved by the security device 54, the barrier device 46Acontinues to be kept locked, and the control panel 45 can give an alarmto the guard 56 and/or the supervisor 57 via the alarm device 47.

In one embodiment, in the case where an individual is coming from thesecond area 27 (e.g., a non-secure area) and intending to enter into thefirst area 26 (e.g., a secure area), the individual must pass throughthe passing room 40A or the passing room 40C by entering through opening14A1 or opening 14C1. Before entering through, for example, the opening14A1 of the passing room 40A in the portable container 10A, theindividual may deposit his/her belongings at one end of conveyor 60through the opening 14B1, to be scanned by the detection system 58. Theopening 14B1 can be, for example, a window or trap door, or the like.While the individual presents an access device to the security device52A and passes through the barrier device 46A, his/her belonging arebeing scanned by the detection system 58. Once the individual is in area50A2, alter passing through the barrier device 46A, the individual maypickup his/her belongings at an opposite end of the conveyor 60 and exitthrough the opening 14A2 to enter into the secured area 26.

In another embodiment, in the case where an individual is coming fromthe first area 26 (e.g., a non-secure area) and intending to enter intothe second area 27 (e.g., a secure area), the individual must passthrough the passing room 40A or the passing room 40C by entering throughopening 14A2 or opening 14C2. After entering through, for example, theopening 14A2 of the passing room 40A in the portable container 10A, theindividual being in area 50A2 may deposit his/her belongings at a table61 to be screened by the one or more guards 56 or the one or moresupervisors 57. If deemed necessary by the guards 56 or the supervisor57, the belongings of the individual may be sent for scanning usingdetection system 58. In which case the belongings can be placed at oneend of conveyor 60 to be guided into the detection device 59 forscanning. While the belongings of the individual are being scanned, theindividual may present an access device to the security device 52A topass the barrier device 46A. Once the individual has passed through thebarrier device 46A and the individual is in area 50A1, the individualmay exit through the opening 14A3 to enter into the secured area 27. Theindividual may then pickup his/her belongings at an other end of theconveyor 60 through opening 14B1.

If the portable container 10A is being used without an access device,when an individual approaches the passing room 40A from an area 26(e.g., a non-secure area) and enters through opening 14A2, theindividual can go through the security device 52A (e.g., amagnetometer). The individual enters area 50A2 in which the individualmay be subject to additional screening. In one embodiment, the barrierdevice 46A can be the same device as the security device 52A (e.g., themetal detector). In another embodiment, a separate barrier device 46Acan be used to stop persons from accessing the second area (e.g., asecure area) 27. The barrier device 46A remains locked or closed untilthe guard 56 or the supervisor 57 authorizes the individual to enter thesecured area 27. Once an individual is approved, the barrier device 46Ais unlocked and the individual can go through the barrier device 46A. Ifthe individual is not approved, the barrier device 46A continues to bekept locked, and the control panel 45 in the control room 40B can givean alarm to the guard 56 and/or the supervisor 57 via the alarm device47 and the guard 56 can instruct the individual to go back tonon-secured area 26 or show additional credentials. Alternatively, thebarrier device 46A can remain open until locked by the guard 56 or thesupervisor 57.

FIG. 7 is floor plan of the access control system, according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5, three portable containers 70A, 70B and 70C arejuxtaposed next to each other. The portable containers 70A, 70B and 70Care arranged such that opening 72A in portable container 70Acommunicates with opening 72B in portable container 70B and opening 72Cin portable container 70B communicates with opening 72D in portablecontainer 70C.

Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the space in each of theportable containers 70A, 70B and 70C can be tailored for a specificneed. In this embodiment, the spaces in the portable containers 70A and70C can be used as passing rooms for individuals to access a second area(e.g., a secured area) 27 delimited by the fencing material 30 from afirst area (e.g., non-secured area) 26. The space in portable container70B can be used as a control room. The space in portable container 70Bcan be configured to house a detection system 73 for scanning belongingof individuals passing through the passing rooms of portable container70A and 70C.

The containers 70A and 70C comprise passing rooms 74A and 74C,respectively. The passing rooms 74A and 74C control the movement ofpeople between the first area (the non secured area) 26 and the secondarea (the secured area) 27. The passing rooms 74A and 74C can be similarin many aspects to the passing rooms 40A and 40B in portable containers10A and 10B described in the previous paragraphs. The portable container70A comprises entrance doorway 80A1 and exit doorway 80A2 and theportable container 70C comprises entrance doorway 80C1 and exit doorway80C2 through which an individual enter from area (e.g., non securedarea) 26 and exit into area (e.g., secured area) 27. The portablecontainer 70A can comprise at least one barrier device 76A and theportable container 10C can comprise at least one barrier device 76C. Thebarrier device 76A can be arranged inside of the passing room 74A so asto restrict a person's movement through the passing room 7A. The barrierdevice 76C can be arranged inside of the passing room 74C so as torestrict a person's movement through the passing room 74C. In oneembodiment, a turnstile (e.g., a full-body turnstile, a partial-bodyturnstile, a bi-directional turnstile, or a uni-directional turnstile)is employed as a barrier device 76A, 76C of the portable containers 70A,70B, respectively. However, other barrier devices may be used torestrict a person's movement through the passing room 74A, 74C. Forexample, a sliding door, a revolving door, moving bars, and gates, orthe like may be used as a barrier device 76A, 76C.

In one embodiment, the passing room 74A, 74C can include one or moresecurity devices 78A1, 78A2, 78C1, 78C2 issuing permission for a personto pass through doorway 80A2, 80C2, respectively. In one embodiment, thesecurity device 78A1, 78A2, 78C1, 78C2 can comprise, but is not limitedto, one or more card readers, one or more metal detectors (such as amagnetometer or the like), one or more weapon detectors, one or morex-ray scanners, one or more radiofrequency scanners (e.g., shortwavescanners), one or more biometric readers, one or more iris scanners, oneor more fingerprint or palm readers, one or more physical or facialrecognition terminology, one or more electronic key locks, or one ormore mechanical key locks, or any combination of two or more thereof.The security device 78A1, 78A2, 78C1, 78C2 can also include a securitymeasure, such as, but not limited to, posting an individual or guardproximate to the doorway 80A1 and/or 80A2, 80C1 and/or 80C2 to checkidentification cards (e.g., photo identification cards, licenses, etc.).In one embodiment, the security device 78A2 may be located in the spacebetween the barrier 76A and the exit doorway 80A2 and the securitydevice 78A1 located in the space between the entrance doorway 80A1 andthe barrier device 76A. Similarly, the security device 78C2 may belocated in the space between the barrier 76C and the exit doorway 80C2and the security device 78C1 can be located in the space between theentrance doorway 80C1 and the barrier device 76C.

The passing room 74A, 74C can also include one or more explosive and/orweapon detection device 79A, 79C, respectively. Alternatively, any sortsof detection devices may be employed. The one or more explosive and/orweapon detection device may be located, for example, in the spacebetween the entrance doorway 80A1 and the barrier device 76A in thepassing room 74A and in the space between the entrance doorway 80C1 andthe barrier device 76C in the passing room 74C. However, the one or moreexplosive and/or weapon detection device 79A, 79C may also be located inthe space between the barrier device 76A and the exit doorway 80A2 andmay also be located in the space between the barrier device 76C and theexit doorway 80C2 in the passing room 74C. The one or more (for exampletwo) explosive and/or weapon detection devices 79A in passing room 74Acan be separated by a wall 71A and/or the one or more (for example two)explosive and/or weapon detection devices 79C in passing room 74C can beseparated by a wall 71C. The walls 71A and 71C can be provided toseparate the one or more explosion detection zones 79A, 79C so as toincrease the number of individuals processed through the respectivepassing rooms 74A and 74C.

As stated above, the portable container 70B can be used as a controlroom. In one embodiment, a control room 74B is provided in the portablecontainer 70B for housing one or more detection systems 73. Thedetection system 73 can be used to check items carried by individualswhen passing through the passing rooms 74A and 74C. The detection system73 comprises one or more detection devices 75 for scanning objectscarried by the individuals. The detection system 73 can also compriseone or more conveyors 77 for transporting the objects into and out ofthe detection device 75. In an embodiment of the invention, thedetection device 75 can be an electromagnetic device (e.g., an x-raymachine) for detecting belongings of an individual (e.g., the insidecontents of a bag carried by the individual) passing through the passingrooms 74A and 74C, a chemical detection device or any other kind ofdetector. In one embodiment, the conveyor 77 can be configured as anL-shape. A first end 77A of the L-shaped conveyor 77 can be positionedin the passing room 74A so as to allow individuals to place theirbelongings for scanning. A second end 77B of the L-shaped conveyor 77can be positioned outside the control room 74B in the area 27. TheL-shaped conveyor can thus guide the belongings placed at the first end77A through the detection device 75 and through an opening 80B in theportable container 70B before reaching the second end 77B where theindividual can pick up the scanned belongings.

The control room 74B is located between the passing rooms 74A and 74C.One or more guards can be posted in the control room 74B to monitor thedetection system 73, observe the inside of the passing rooms 74A and 74Cand/or manually scan the belongings of the individuals passing throughthe passing rooms 74A and 74B. The one or more guards can takeappropriate action to address any situation that may occur in any of thepassing room 74A, the passing room 74C and/or the control room 74B.

Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, as illustrated in FIG. 7,one or more openings 81A, 81B can be provided in both containers 70A and70B for communicating between the passing room 74A and control room 74Band provided in both containers 70B and 70C for communicating betweenthe passing room 74C and the control room 74B. The openings 81A, 81B canbe used as a handicap access to redirect handicapped or disabledindividuals to pass through the control room 74B instead of one of thepassing rooms 74A or 74C as a handicapped or disabled individual mayhave a difficulty passing through the barrier device 76A or the barrierdevice 76C or difficulty using (e.g., reaching, seeing, etc.) securitydevice 78A2 or security device 78C2.

Similar to the portable containers 10A, 10B and 10C, the portablecontainers 70A, 70B or 70C can be put on a vehicle or trailer andtransported or towed to reach a specific destination. By arranging theportable container in the manner described above, the portablecontainers 70A, 70B and 70C can be used to control access to an area.The portable containers 70A, 70B and 70C may be used in a setting wherecontrol of access to a specific area may be needed. For example, thespecific area can be a work site where access of personnel to the worksite can be controlled. A worker may carry an access device which whenread by a security device may allow or deny access to the work site. Theportable containers 70A, 70B and 70C may also be used by individualsthat do not have an access device, but who must pass through security toenter a venue (e.g., an outside concert or the like).

For example, in the case where an individual is coming from the firstarea 26 (in this case the non-secured area) and intending to enter intothe second area 27 (in this case the secured area), the individual mustpass through the passing room 74A or the passing room 74C by enteringthrough doorway 80A1 or 80C1. After entering through, for example, theopening 80A1 of the passing room 74A in the portable container 70A, theindividual may deposit his/her belongings at the first end 77A of theconveyor 77 to be guided to the detection device 75 for scanning. Whilethe belongings of the individual are being scanned by the detectiondevice 75, the individual may be scanned for presence of explosives orweapons with the explosive/weapons detection device 79A. After beingscanned for explosives and/or weapons, the individual may submit to ascan by the security device 78A1 (for example an iris scan device or afinger scan device or the like) to pass the barrier device 76A. Once theindividual has passed through the barrier device 76A, the individual maybe required to present an access device to the security device 78A2(e.g., a card swipe device or the like) to exit through the doorway 80A2to enter into the secured area 27. After exiting through the doorway80A2, the individual may then pickup his/her belongings at the secondend 77B of the conveyor 77.

FIG. 8 is floor plan view of an access control device using a portablecontainer, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.The portable container 90 has a housing 92, which, in one embodiment, isrectangular shaped. The portable container 90 can have same generalcharacteristics as container 10 described in the above paragraphs. Forexample the portable container can be a standard shipping containerwhich complies with international standards as determined by theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The portable container 90 comprises passing room 94. The passing room 94control the movement of people between a first area (for example thesecured area) 26 and a second area (for example the non-secured area)27. The first area 26 and the second area 27 are separated by a fence orbarrier 30. The barrier 30 can be, for example, attached to sidewalls ofthe portable container 90. The passing room 94 communicates with thesecond area (non-secured area) 27 via a first opening 96A andcommunicates with the first area (the secured area) 26 via a secondopening 96B. The first opening 96A is spaced apart from the secondopening 96B, in the passing room 94, so as to define a walkway 98in-between. A closing device 99 (e.g., a door, shutters or the like) maybe employed to close the openings 96A and 96B. A security sensing devicefor safeguarding the closing device 99 can be employed. In oneembodiment, the first and second openings 96A and 96B are providedinside the portable container 90. For example, the first and secondopenings 96A and 96B can be provided in respective walls 97A and 97Bwhich are constructed inside the portable container 90. The walls 97Aand 97B can be recessed relative to opening 93 of the portable container90. The opening 93 of the portable container 90 can be closed, forexample, with an already existing door in the portable container 90.Indeed, the portable container 90 may originally be provided with one ormore doors on each opposite side of the container. In this way, therecessed closing device 99 provided on recessed wails 97A and 97B andany associated security sensing device can be, for example, isolatedfrom outside environmental elements when the portable container 90 isnot in use. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the portable container isnot provided with any external openings other than opening 93 which canbe closed with doors. By closing the doors in the opening 93, theportable container 90 being closed on ail sides, can be viewed from theoutside as a regular shipping container as the internal structure of theportable container 90 is hidden from outside view. This feature providesadditional security for the structure as well as other components insidethe container when the portable container is not in use. In addition, byenclosing all the components of the access control device inside thecontainer, the access control device can be handled as a regularportable container, for example, during shipping.

The portable container 90 can comprise at least one barrier device. Inone embodiment, the portable container 90 comprises two barrier devices100A and 100B. The barrier devices 100A, 100B can be arranged inside ofthe passing room 94 so as to restrict a person's movement through thepassing room 94. In one embodiment, a turnstile (e.g., a full-bodyturnstile, a partial-body turnstile, a bi-directional turnstile, or auni-directional turnstile) is employed as barrier devices 100A and 100B.However, other types of barrier devices may be used to restrict aperson's movement through the passing room 94. For example, a slidingdoor, a revolving door, moving bars, and gates, or the like may be usedas the barrier devices 100A and 100B. The barrier devices 100A and 100Bare located inside the walkway 98 and partition the walkway 98 into afirst, a second and third spaces 102A, 102B and 102C. The first space102A is defined as a space between the barrier device 100A and the firstopening 96A. The second space 102B is defined as a space between thebarrier device 100A and the barrier device 100B. The third space isdefined as a space between the barrier device 100B and the secondopening 96B.

In one embodiment, the first space 102A is used as a screening area, thesecond space 102B is used a detection zone for explosives, weapons,metal, drugs and/or other materials, and the third space 102C is used asan intermediary area before accessing the second area (e.g., the securedarea) 26.

In one embodiment, the passing room 94 can include one or more securitydevices 104A, 104B issuing permission for a person to pass through thepassing room 94. In one embodiment, the security devices 104A, 104B cancomprise, but is not limited to, one or more card readers, one or moremetal detectors (such as a magnetometer or the like), one or more weapondetectors, one or more x-ray scanners, one or more radiofrequencyscanners (e.g., shortwave scanners), one or more biometric readers, oneor more iris scanners, one or more fingerprint or palm readers, one ormore explosive detectors, one or more physical or facial recognitionterminology, one or more electronic key locks, or one or more mechanicalkey locks, or any combination of two or more thereof. The securitydevice 104A, 104B can also include a security measure, such as, but notlimited to, posting an individual or guard 56 proximate to the barrierdevices 100A, 100B to cheek identification cards (e.g., photoidentification cards, licenses, etc.). In one embodiment, the securitydevice 104A may be located in the first space 102A and the securitydevice 104B may be located in the third space 102C of the passing room94. However, alternatively or additionally, security devices 104A, 104Bcan also be provided in the space between the opening 93 of the portablecontainer and the respective opening 96A and 96B provided inside theportable container.

In one embodiment, the passing room 94 can comprise various amenitiessuch as lighting, water, air conditioning, etc. For example, interiorlighting 110 can be provided in the first space 102A, the second space102B and/or the third space 102C. In addition, flood lighting 111 canalso be provided outside the passing room 94 to illuminate the exteriorof the passing room 98. Furthermore, heat curtains 112 can also beprovided in the vicinity, for example above, any one of openings 96A and96B. One or more air conditioning units 113 can also be provided tocontrol the temperature inside the passing room 94. Electrical power canbe provided via power connection 114 so as to operate various electricalamenities and other electrical powered systems in the passing room 94.

As stated above, the first space 102A is used as a screening area, thesecond space 102B is used a detection zone and the third space is usedas an intermediary area before accessing the second area (e.g., thesecured area) 26. The screening area can, for example, include detectionsystem 105 for scanning items carried by individuals when passingthrough passing room 94. In one embodiment, the detection system 105 cancomprise a detection device 106 for scanning objects carried by theindividuals and a conveyor 107 for transporting the objects into thedetection device 106. In an embodiment of the invention, the detectiondevice 106 can be an electromagnetic device (e.g., an x-ray machine) fordetecting belongings of an individual (e.g., the inside contents of abag carried by the individual) passing through the passing room 94, achemical detector and/or any other kind of detector.

In one embodiment, the first space (screening area) 102A can alsoinclude a control panel 108 to control the barrier device(s) 100A and/or100B and the security device(s) 104A and/or 104B in order for a guard109 to monitor the passing room 94 while staying in the first space(screening area) 102A. The control panel 108 can comprise an alarmdevice which gives an alarm in case a problem occurs in the passing room94.

The portable container 90 can be used to control access of personnel tothe a work site. A worker may carry an access device which when read bythe security device may allow or deny access to the work site.Alternatively, other uses are possible.

In operation, when an individual approaches the passing room 94 inportable container 90 from, for example, the second area 27 and entersthrough the opening 96A, the individual can stay in the first, space102A in the walkway 98 and present an access device (e.g.,identification or electronically read card) to the security device 104A.Prior to presenting the access device to the security device 104A, theindividual places his/her belongings on the conveyor 107 to be scannedby the detection device 106. After scanning of the belongings of theindividual, the individual can pick up his/her belongings and canproceed and present the access device to the security device 104A.

The barrier device 100A remains locked or closed until the access deviceis successfully read by the security device 104A. Once the individual isapproved by the security device 104A, the barrier device 100A isunlocked and the individual can go through the barrier device 100A toenter into second space (detection area) 102B. If a person is notapproved by the security device 104A, the barrier device 100A remainslocked, and the control panel 108 can give an alarm to the guard 109.

Once the individual is in the second space (detection area) 102B, theindividual is scanned for explosives, weapons, metal, drugs or the like,using a detection device such as, but not limited to, a magnetometer orthe like. If a trace of contraband is detected on the individual, thecontrol panel 108 can give an alarm to the guard 109 and shuts bothbarrier devices 100A and 100B. In this way the second space between thebarrier devices 100A and 100B can function as a “trap” that traps theindividual on which a trace of contraband is detected in the secondspace between the two shut barrier devices 100A and 100B. If a trace ofcontraband is detected on the individual and the individual is trappedin the second space 102B, the individual may be released through one ormore doorways or emergency exits 101A or 101B for a more detailedscreening and evaluation by additional guards upon summoned by guard109. In this way, a flow of individuals through the first space 102A andthe second space 102B may not be interrupted. If the individual does notcarry any contraband, the barrier device 100B can be opened and theindividual can proceed to exit from the second space (detection area)102B via barrier device 100B to enter into the third space 102C. In oneembodiment, the barrier devices 100A and 100B are uni-directionalturnstiles. Therefore, when the individual is in the detection area102B, the individual can only exit through the barrier device 100B andthe individual cannot exit through the barrier device 100A as thisbarrier device is only activated in one direction (entry direction).When the individual is in the third space 102C, the individual canpresent the access device to the security device 104B. The securitydevice 104B controls the opening or closing of the closing device 99(e.g., a door, shutters or the like) that is employed to close theopenings 96B. The closing device 99 of opening 96B remains closed untilthe access device is successfully read by the security device 104B. Oncethe identity of the individual is confirmed by the security device 104B,the closing device 99 is unlocked and the individual can go through theopening 96B to enter into the first area (secured area) 26.

In one embodiment, two or more standard shipping containers are filledwith material to be shipped at a first location. Then, the two or morecontainers are shipped to a second location. The two or more containersare next unloaded at the second location. Next, the two or morecontainers are configured as an access control system after the two ormore containers are unloaded. In one embodiment, a first container inthe two or more containers is outfitted to function as a passing roomwhile a second container in the two or more containers is placedadjacent the first container and is outfitted to function as a controlroom. In one embodiment, the second location can be overseas from thefirst embodiment.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a front view and a perspective view of aportable container 210, according to embodiments of the invention. Theportable container 210 has housing 220, which, in one embodiment, isrectangular shaped. However, any other shape is also possible. Thehousing 220 can be made of a durable material (e.g., iron, stainlesssteel), enabling the portable container 210 to be securely towed by avehicle. One or both ends of the portable container 210 can be equippedto be towed by a vehicle. In addition, a security system to ensure thatonly authorized vehicles move the portable container 210 can also beincluded. Furthermore, fencing 263 or other material may be attached tothe portable container 210 to surround a secured area 262 (e.g., seeFIG. 13).

FIG. 11 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the portable container210, according to one embodiment of the invention. The portablecontainer 210 comprises at least one passing room 230, which is providedfor controlling and directing the movement of people between two areas.In addition, the portable container 210 can also comprise at least onecontrol room 240, for housing a guard or supervisor.

The portable container 210 can be a standard shipping container. In oneembodiment, the standard shipping container can be a shipping containerwhich complies with international standards as determined by theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO). In one embodiment,the shipping container can include the following features: made fromcorrugated steel; heavy steel framed to withstand repeated lifting andplacing; able to hold a cargo as large as 30 tons; marine grade plywoodflooring; lockable accessible doors on one or both sides of the shippingcontainer; forklift pockets; corner connectors; or a venting system; orany combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the portable container 210 can be delivered to a userin a ready-made or turn-key state. In this case, if electricity is notrequired, the portable container 210 is ready to be used. If electricityis required, all that needs to be done to render the portable container210 usable is the provision of electricity. In another embodiment, theportable container can be customized by the user to meet specific needsof the user.

FIG. 12 is a detailed top cross-sectional view of a passing room 230 anda control room 240, according to one embodiment of the invention. Thepassing room 230 controls the movement of people between area 260 andanother area 262. A fence 263 can also be used to separate areas 260 and262 in locations where the portable containers 210 are not used. Thepassing room 230 has at least a first opening 232, and at least a secondopening 234, which in one embodiment is on a side opposite the firstopening 232. However, the first opening 232, second opening 234, andadditional openings can be located on any side of the passing room 230,including being located on the same side of the passing room 230. Thesecond opening 234 is spaced apart from the first opening 232 so as todefine a walkway 236 in-between. A closing device 233 (e.g., a door,shutters) is employed to close the openings 232 and 234 when passingroom 230 is not in use. A security sensing device for safeguarding theclosing device 233 can be employed.

The portable container 210 can comprise at least one barrier device 238in the inside of the passing room 230, which restricts a person'smovement through the passing room 230. In one embodiment, a turnstile(e.g., a full-body turnstile, a partial-body turnstile, a bi-directionalturnstile, or a uni-directional turnstile) is employed as a barrierdevice of the portable container 210, but other barrier device may beused to restrict a person's movement through the passing room 230. Forexample, a sliding door, a revolving door, moving bars, and gates may beused as a barrier device. The barrier device 238 is located inside thewalkway 236, defining a first space 250 between the barrier device 238and the first opening 232, and defining a second space 252 between thebarrier device 238 and the second opening 234.

In one embodiment, the passing room 230 can alternatively include atleast one security device 254 issuing permission for a person to passthrough the passing room 230. In one embodiment, the security device 254can comprise, but is not limited to, one or more card readers, metaldetectors, biometric readers, iris scanners, fingerprint or palmreaders, explosive and/or weapon detectors, physical or facialrecognition terminology, electronic key locks, or mechanical key locks,or any combination thereof. The security device 254 can also include asecurity measure, such as, but not limited to, posting an individualproximate to the barrier device 238 to check identification cards (e.g.,photo identification cards, licenses). In one embodiment, a securitydevice 254 is located in the first space 250 and also in the secondspace 252. Security devices 254 can be included inside or outside of thepassing room. The passing room 230 can also comprise lighting.

In one embodiment, a control room 240 is provided for housing a guard orsupervisor. The control room 240 can include a control panel 242 tocontrol the barrier device(s) 238 and the security device(s) 254 inorder for a guard or supervisor to monitor the passing room whilestaying in the control room 240. The control panel 242 can comprise analarm device 243 which gives an alarm in case a problem occurs in thepassing room 230.

The control room 240 and the passing room 230 are separated by at leastone wail 212. The wall 212 can comprise at least one window 214, so thata guard in the control room 240 can observe the inside of the passingroom 230 or the outside of the portable container 210. The control room240 has at least one opening 244 with at least one closing device 245.The closing device(s) 245 of the control room 240 can be the same as, ordifferent from, the closing device(s) 233 of the passing room 230.

The control room 240 can also comprise: heat and/or air-conditioning;lighting; at least one computer/cable outlet; at least one phone jack;at least one electrical outlet; at least one vent; or insulation; or anycombination thereof.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a passing room 230 and acontrol room 240, according to one embodiment of the invention. As theportable container 210 has a housing 220 which comprises both the atleast one passing room 230 and the at least one control room 240, it iseasy for users to move and use almost anywhere. The portable containerhas everything that a user needs to control access to an area.

The portable container 210 can be put on a vehicle or trailer andtransported or towed to reach multiple destinations, and can be used tocontrol access to an area. The portable container may be used by peoplewho have an access device (e.g., people working on a construction site).The access device is read by the security device. The portable container210 may also be used by people that do not have an access device, butwho must pass through security to enter a venue (e.g., an outsideconcert).

If the portable container 210 is being used in conjunction with anaccess device, when a person approaches the passing room 230 from anarea 260 and enters the first opening 232, the person can stay in thefirst space 250 in the walkway 236 and present an access device (e.g.,identification or electronically read card) to the security device 254.In one embodiment, because the security device 254 is located inside thepassing room, the chance that the person will lose or break anidentification card or device is decreased because the person does notneed to expose the identification card or device outside of the portablecontainer 210. The portable container 210 also protects the securitydevice 254, because the security device 254 is located inside of thepassing room 230.

In one embodiment, the barrier device remains locked or closed until theaccess device is successfully read by the security device 254. Once aperson is approved by the security device 254, the barrier device 238 isunlocked and the person can go through the barrier device 238. If aperson is not approved by the security device 254, the barrier device238 continues to be kept locked, and the control panel 242 can give analarm to a guard via the alarm device 243.

If the portable container 210 is being used without an access device,when a person approaches the passing room 230 from an area 260 andenters the first opening 232, the person can stay in the first space 250in the walkway 236 and go through the security device 254 (e.g., a metaldetector). In one embodiment, the barrier device 238 can be the samedevice as the security device 254 (e.g., the metal detector). In anotherembodiment, a separate barrier device can be used to stop persons from,accessing the secured area 262. The barrier device 238 remains locked orclosed until the security device 254 or security personnel authorizes aperson to enter the secured area 262. Once a person is approved, thebarrier device 238 is unlocked and the person can go through the barrierdevice 238. If a person is not approved, the barrier device 238continues to be kept locked, and, the control panel 242 can give analarm to a guard via the alarm device 243. Alternatively, the barrierdevice can remain open until locked by security personnel, for example.

In one embodiment, a standard shipping container is filled with materialto be shipped at a first location. Then, the container is shipped to asecond location. The container is next unloaded at the second location.Next, the container is outfitted as an access control unit after thecontainer is unloaded. In one embodiment, the second location can beoverseas from the first embodiment.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled inthe relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In fact, after reading the above description, it will beapparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement theinvention in alternative embodiments. Thus, the present invention shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures, which highlightthe functionality and benefits of the present invention, are presentedfor example purposes only. The architecture of the present invention issufficiently flexible and configurable, such that, it may be utilized inways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. The Abstract of the Disclosureis not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present inventionin any way.

1. An access control system, comprising: first and second portablecontainers, the first portable container comprising a first sidewallopening and the second portable container comprising a second sidewallopening, the portable containers being arranged such that the firstsidewall opening in the first portable container communicates with thesecond sidewall opening in the second portable container, wherein thefirst portable container comprises a passing room disposed in the firstportable container, the passing room having a first passing roomopening, and a second passing room opening, and a walkway in-between,the passing room comprising a barrier device located in the walkway butnot connected to the first passing room opening or the second passingroom opening, defining a first space between the first passing roomopening and the barrier device, and a second space between the barrierdevice and the second passing room opening, wherein the access controlsystem is constructed such that when the access control system isdisposed between a first area, outside the access control system andaccessing the first passing room opening, and an enclosed second area,outside the access control system and accessing the second passing roomopening, ingress and egress from and to the second area is controlled bythe access control system.
 2. The access control system of claim 1,wherein the passing room further comprises a security device providingauthorization for an individual to enter into the second area.
 3. Theaccess control system of claim 2, wherein the security device includesone or more card readers, one or more metal detectors, one or morebiometric readers, one or more iris scanners, one or more fingerprintreaders, one or more facial recognition terminology, one or moreexplosive detectors, one or more weapon detectors, one or moreelectronic key locks, or one or more mechanical key locks, or acombination of two or more thereof.
 4. The access control system ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one security device is located in thefirst space, the second space or both.
 5. The access control system ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one security device is located outside theat least one passing room.
 6. The access control system of claim 1,wherein the barrier device includes a turnstile, a sliding door, arevolving door, or moving bars or a combination thereof.
 7. The accesscontrol system of claim 1, further comprising a fence at least partlyforming the enclosure of the second area, wherein the fence is attachedor adjacent to an outside surface of the first portable container and toan outside surface of the second portable container.
 8. The accesscontrol system of claim 1, wherein the second portable containercomprises a control room adjacent to the passing room.
 9. The accesscontrol system of claim 8, wherein the control room comprises a controlpanel to control the barrier device in order for a guard and/or asupervisor to monitor the passing room while staying in the controlroom.
 10. The access control system of claim 9, wherein the controlpanel comprises an alarm device which gives an alarm in case a problemoccurs in the passing room.
 11. The access control system of claim 8,wherein the control room comprises a detecting system for scanningbelongings of individuals passing through the passing room.
 12. Theaccess control system of claim 11, wherein the detecting systemcomprises a detecting device and a conveyor in communication with thedetecting device, the conveyor configured and arranged to direct thebelongings to the detecting device.
 13. The access control system ofclaim 12, wherein the detecting device is an electromagnetic detectingmachine, a chemical detecting machine or a combination thereof.
 14. Theaccess control system of claim 13, wherein the electromagnetic detectingmachine is ail x-ray machine.
 15. The access control system of claim 8,wherein the second portable container further comprises a control roomopening to directly access into the control room.
 16. The access controlsystem of claim 1, wherein the first container or the second containeror both comprise one or more accessible panels configured to close oneor more sidewall openings provided in the first container or the secondcontainer or both.
 17. The access control system of claim 16, whereinthe one or more accessible panel comprises a plurality of panel sectionsjoined together using a joining material.
 18. The access control systemof claim 16, wherein the one or more accessible panels further comprisesa locking mechanism configured to fasten the one or more accessiblepanels onto the one or more sidewall openings.
 19. The access controlsystem of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a bar-likelocking mechanism and a movable center lock, wherein the movable centerlock is configured to attach the bar-like locking mechanism to the oneor more accessible panel.
 20. The access control system of claim 1,further comprising one or more anchoring device configured to attach thefirst portable container to the second portable container.
 21. Theaccess control system of claim 20, wherein the anchoring devicecomprises a plurality of links and a ratcheting device linked to theplurality of links.
 22. The access control system of claim 21, whereinthe plurality of links are configured to be fastened to a sidewall ofthe first portable container and the second portable container.
 23. Theaccess control system of claim 21, wherein the ratcheting devicecomprises one or more levers which when pivoted back and forth allow theratcheting device to bring the plurality of links closer to each other.24. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the first portablecontainer or the second container or both is delivered in a turnkeystate.
 25. The access control system of claim 1, wherein features of thefirst portable container or the second container or both arecustomizable to meet specific needs of a user.
 26. The access controlsystem of claim 1, further comprises a cover material disposed above thefirst passing room opening, the second passing room opening, or both.27. The access control system of claim 26, wherein the cover material isa retractable sheet of flexible material or a removable panel or thelike.
 28. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising afloor lining material disposed in a vicinity of a foot of the firstpassing room opening, the second passing room opening, or both.
 29. Theaccess control system of claim 28, wherein the floor lining material isa non-skid rubber liner or the like.
 30. The access control system ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more air conditioning units, the oneor more air conditioning units being disposed in the passing room, thecontrol room or both.
 31. The access control system of claim 30, whereinthe one or more air conditioning units on a roof of the first portablecontainer, on a roof of the second portable container or both.
 32. Amethod of controlling passage between a first area and an enclosedsecond area, comprising: disposing a first portable container and asecond portable container adjacent to the first portable containerbetween the first area and the enclosed second area such that passagebetween the first and the second areas must be through the firstportable container, wherein the first portable container includes atleast one passing room allowing entry into the enclosed second area fromthe first area, the at least one passing room having at least a firstopening and at least a second opening and a walkway in-between, the atleast one passing room comprising at least one barrier device located inthe walkway but not connected to the first opening or the secondopening, defining a first space between the first opening and thebarrier device, and a second space between the barrier device and thesecond opening.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the disposingcomprises disposing the first portable container such that the firstopening and the second opening are located on opposite sides of a fenceat least partially surrounding the enclosed second area.
 34. The methodof claim 32, further comprising controlling ingress and egress from andto the second area via a control room in the second portable container,the control room being adjacent to the at least one passing room. 35.The method of claim 34, wherein the controlling comprises authorizingentry of a person into the enclosed second area from the first area. 36.The method of claim 34, wherein the controlling comprises monitoring theat least one passing room.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein thecontrolling comprises controlling the at least one barrier device so asto authorize or deny entry into the enclosed second area.
 38. The methodof claim 32, further comprising connecting the first portable containerand the second portable container together such that a first sidewallopening in the first container communicates with a second sidewallopening in the second portable container.
 39. The method of claim 38,wherein the connecting comprises connecting the first portable containerand the second portable container together using an anchoring device.40. A method of manufacturing a portable access control system,comprising: filling first and second standard shipping containers withmaterial to be shipped at a first location; shipping the first andsecond containers to a second location; unloading the first and secondcontainers at the second location; disposing the first and secondcontainers adjacent to each other such that an opening in the firstcontainer communicates with an opening in the second container; andadding a barrier device within a passage room in the first container.41. The method of claim 40, wherein the second location is overseas fromthe first location.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein the addingoccurs proximate the second location relative to the first location. 43.The method of claim 40, further comprising connecting the first portablecontainer and the second portable container together using an anchoringdevice.
 44. The method of claim 40, further comprising configuring thesecond container as a control room for controlling the passage room. 45.An access control system, comprising: a portable container having apassing room, the passing room having a first passing room opening and asecond passing room opening, and a walkway in-between, the passing roomcomprising first and second spaced apart barrier devices located in thewalkway but not connected to the first passing room opening or thesecond passing room opening, the first and second spaced apart barrierdevices defining a first space between the first passing room openingand the first barrier device, a second space between the first barrierdevice and the second barrier device and a third space between thesecond barrier device and the second passing room opening, wherein theaccess control system is constructed such that when the access controlsystem is disposed between a first area, outside the access controlsystem and accessing the first passing room opening, and an enclosedsecond area, outside the access control system and accessing the secondpassing room opening, ingress and egress from and to the second area iscontrolled by the access control system.
 46. The access control systemof claim 45, wherein the portable container further comprises a firstand second external openings, wherein the first and second passing roomopening are recessed relative to the first and second external openings.47. The access control system of claim 46, wherein when the first andsecond external openings are closed, the passing room is isolated fromoutside environmental elements.
 48. The access control system of claim45, wherein the passing room further comprises a security deviceproviding authorization for an individual to enter into the second area.49. The access control system of claim 48, wherein the security deviceincludes one or more card readers, one or more metal detectors, one ormore biometric readers, one or more iris scanners, one or morefingerprint readers, one or more facial recognition terminology, one ormore explosive detectors, one or more weapon detector, one or moreelectronic key locks, or one or more mechanical key locks, or acombination of two or more thereof.
 50. The access control system ofclaim 48, wherein the security device is located in the first space, thethird space or both.
 51. The access control system of claim 48, whereinthe security device is located outside the at least one passing room.52. The access control system of claim 45, wherein the first barrierdevice or the second barrier device, or both include a turnstile, asliding door, a revolving door, or moving bars or a combination thereof.53. The access control system of claim 45, further comprising a fence atleast partly forming the enclosure of the second area, wherein the fenceis attached or adjacent to an outside surface of the portable container.54. The access control system of claim 45, wherein the first spacebetween the first barrier device and the first passing room openingincludes a screening area.
 55. The access control system of claim 54,wherein the screening area comprises a control panel to control thebarrier device in order for a guard and/or a supervisor to monitor thepassing room.
 56. The access control system of claim 55, wherein thecontrol panel comprises an alarm device which gives an alarm in case aproblem occurs in the passing room.
 57. The access control system ofclaim 54, wherein the screening area comprises a detecting system forscanning belongings of individuals passing through the passing room. 58.The access control system of claim 57, wherein the detecting systemcomprises a detecting device and a conveyor in communication with thedetecting device, the conveyor configured and arranged to direct thebelongings to the detecting device.
 59. The access control system ofclaim 58, wherein the detecting device is an electromagnetic detectingmachine, a chemical detecting machine or a combination thereof.
 60. Theaccess control system of claim 59, wherein the electromagnetic detectingmachine is an x-ray machine.
 61. The access control system of claim 45,wherein the second space includes a contraband detection device.
 62. Theaccess control system of claim 61, wherein the detection device includesa metal detection device, a drug detection device, a chemical detectiondevice, an explosive detection device, a weapon detection device, or thelike.
 63. The access control device of claim 45, wherein the secondspace is configured to function as a trap.